By CONNER TIFFANI THARP
Los Alamos

My name is Conner Tiffani Tharp and I am announcing my candidacy for the University of New Mexico–Los Alamos Advisory Board. Earlier this year, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board, and I am honored to now seek election to continue serving our community. Serving on this board is important to me because UNM-LA plays a vital role in providing accessible education and career pathways in northern New Mexico. I want to continue to ensure that students of all ages, especially our non-traditional students, have the support and resources they need to succeed.

I graduated from New Mexico State University in 2016 with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and minors in Marketing and Business Administration. In 2022, just two months after the birth of my daughter, I returned to NMSU to pursue a master’s degree in Healthcare Management, Administration, and Policy, graduating with honors in December 2024.

Through that journey, I experienced firsthand the challenges non-traditional students face, and I want to use those experiences to advocate for current and future students at UNM-LA. After finishing my degree, I’ve actively sought out ways to positively impact higher education close to home, and serving on this board is a meaningful way to do that.

I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Los Alamos County Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board, Secretary for the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County, a member of the Playschool Family Connections Committee at Little Forest Playschool, and of course as a UNM-LA Advisory Board Member. Professionally, I have served as Deputy Director of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area and recently transitioned to a role within the Public Affairs group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to education, community, and creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

My goal as a member of the UNM-LA Advisory Board is to help the institution grow as a place where students of all ages and circumstances can succeed. Education is changing quickly, and I believe my most recent experiences as a student give me a unique perspective to help UNM-LA meet the needs of our region.

Early voting begins on Oct. 7 and continues until Nov. 4. More information about voting locations can be found here on the Los Alamos County website.

With Aggie roots and Lobo pride, I look forward to continuing to serve our community. Thank you, Los Alamos!